Red Pepper Tamales

“Tamales are a great way to get families together,” says Judy Harradine of Sacramento, Calif. “Assembling the tamales ends up being as much fun as eating them.” Recently retired after 45 years of nursing, Harradine now devotes more time to her favorite hobbies: cooking, knitting, and swimming.

2. To make Filling: Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, tomato, and bell pepper; sauté 5 to 7 minutes, or until onion and bell pepper are soft. Stir in chiles, corn, garlic, and paprika, and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Cook 1 to 2 minutes more, then cool. Once mixture is room temperature, stir in sour cream and feta. (If mixture seems too runny, add masa.)

3. Meanwhile, soak corn husks 1 hour in large pot of cold water. (Weigh husks down with plate to keep submerged.) Drain husks, and pat dry. Overlap 2 husks with short sides near you on work surface. Spread 2 Tbs. Dough on husks, leaving 1/2-inch border on left side. Add 2 Tbs. Filling in center. Fold up bottom, then right side over Filling; fold up left side to enclose. Tie with twine. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

4. Stack tamales in large steamer. Steam 1 to 11/2 hours. Remove from heat, and let cool in steamer before serving to allow masa to set.